Congress leaders who came out in support of the persons displaced due to the demolition of kiosks outside GMC. Captured by : Manuel Vaz
OLD GOA
After the demolition of kiosks outside GMC complex, the Congress criticised the BJP government for demolition of the kiosks and displacement of vendors without proper rehabilitation and served an ultimatum to rehabilitate them at the earliest, failing which they will be forced to hit the streets.
Addressing the media on Friday, various Congress leaders gathered at the site of the demolition along with some kiosk owners and vowed them support till they get justice.
Speaking on the occasion, Sankalp Amonkar alleged that the BJP government is a government of liars.
“They have done so many similar things in the past like the demolition of houses in Mormugao but have not given any compensation till date,” said Amonkar, while fearing that a similar thing could happen in this case too.
“But we will not keep quiet. If, within the next 8 to 10 days, the rehabilitation is not done we will come back on the road,” Amonkar said.
He further alleged that the displacement of the vendors was only done to favour a private catering agency.
Rudolf Fernandes said the government should have made provisions first and then undertaken the demolition drive.
“We condemn the move of the government which was done in the wee hours like thieves,” Fernandes stated, adding the Congress will fight for the right of the displaced persons till they get justice.
Asked why the Congress had not come in support of the vendors on the day of demolition, Fernandes opined that it was a sudden move by the government which caught everybody unawares.
Slamming the BJP government for doing everything in the night, Varad Mardolkar said that the act is an illegal one.
“And now, the CM is talking about rehabilitation which only shows that the business activities were all legal,” Mardolkar said and demanded compensation and employment to the affected persons.
Mohan Dhond, Tony Fernandes from Agassaim and Jana Bhandari also spoke.
